Nexon has begun cracking down on the operation of illegal private servers for its games.
On the 27th, Nexon announced that it is taking strict measures against the operation of illegal private servers for the online game 'MapleStory' in cooperation with the police.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Unit of the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency recently arrested two operators of MapleStory private servers on charges of violating copyright law and the Game Industry Act and sent them to the prosecution.
They are accused of opening similar private servers such as 'Extreme', 'Jin', and 'Royal Maple' without permission from Nexon, the copyright holder of 'MapleStory', and collecting usage fees from users.
Nexon stated that another main suspect has fled overseas, and the police have requested the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO, Interpol) to issue a warrant for their arrest.
The police also reported that four others, including employees of hosting companies, designers, and programmers involved in operating the private servers, were booked without detention on charges of aiding and abetting and sent to the prosecution.
Nexon emphasized, "Through civil and criminal legal actions, we plan to recover all unjust profits obtained by these individuals and claim damages. Promoting, sponsoring, or assisting in testing private servers can result in punishment."
They added, "We are actively responding by preparing legal actions against illegal private servers of our service games such as 'The Kingdom of the Winds' and 'MapleStory' through law firms and sending warning letters."
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